North-east home owners urged to think ahead for energy efficiency
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Householders living in the north-east of Scotland are being advised to act now and make their homes more energy efficient before the colder months and weather return.
Recent research by Home Energy Scotland has revealed that 70 per cent of people in Scotland feel concerned about energy bills rising, with almost two thirds using more energy than usual during the first 12 months of the pandemic.
The research also found that 59 per cent of Scots have noticed a worrying rise in their energy bills already.
David Mackay, advice centre manager for Home Energy Scotland in the north-east said: “For hundreds of homes across the north-east it is now vital to get things sorted so that heating costs aren’t such a worry when next winter comes.
"The good news is there is a lot of help available and summer is the best time to access it.
"More than 430 householders in the north-east applied for support in the year 2021/21, and we are urging people who are worrying about bills or heating to give Home Energy Scotland a call now."
The Scottish Government has increased the level of support available through Home Energy Scotland. Their Warmer Homes Scotland programme, managed by Warmworks, provides home improvements like home insulation, secondary glazing or a new heating system for eligible households, worth around £5000.
Additional funding has been made available to allow more people to get support as the country recovers from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Harry Mayers, head of Home Energy Scotland says that making improvements to a home now, could not only save money on home energy bills but also help to meet the Scottish Government’s net zero targets.
He said: "A home that isn’t well insulated can lose more than 50 per cent of its heat through its roof and walls so making improvements can help your finances as well as making your home more energy efficient, comfortable and cheaper to heat and contribute to lowering emissions in Scotland."
Savings Scots could make by improving their homes are:
- Cavity wall insulation could save up to £155 and 660kg of carbon dioxide a year.
- Replacing an old D-rated boiler with some controls with an A-rated boiler with a full set of heating controls could save around £110 and 570kg of carbon dioxide a year. Based on an efficiency improvement from 80 per cent to 90 per cent for a gas boiler, assumes original boiler has a programmer and room thermostat.
- Insulating an uninsulated hot water cylinder with an 80mm jacket could save around £80 and 485kg of carbon dioxide a year.
Home Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government’s free energy efficiency advice service, helps people access Warmer Homes Scotland along with a range of other financial support and impartial advice.
People can find out what they are eligible for by calling the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland hotline on 0808 808 2282 or go to www.homeenergyscotland.org
